As for the local area, you’ve got all the high-end restaurants and boutiques you could wish for, interspersed with world-class art and culture. The Champs Elysees is one of the most famous streets in the world, so be prepared to come up against a fair few tourists, though you can sidestep the hordes pretty easily by exploring the side streets just off the main drag. For most, it's a mandatory stop, if only to catch a glimpse of the monumental Arc de Triomphe which crowns the avenue and which was commissioned by Napoléon to celebrate the armies of empire. The imposing tree-lined avenue is home to a mix of chain stores and luxury brands which, once passed, will take you down to La Concorde, where you’ll find some nice green areas, the French Government buildings, as well as the Grand Palais - a must-see for art and architecture fans alike.